Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There can be significant difficulties for returning immigrants to Ireland in seeking to set up a bank account and access a mortgage. The issues involved include criminal justice legislation aimed at money laundering and the need to have a permanent address in Ireland, as well as other factors. When it comes to underwriting and making a decision about a mortgage application for a returning immigrant, however, how does the bank view that? How does the bank consider an individual's work history in another jurisdiction, for example, and what weight is attached to that? Many of the people returning may not be coming back to secure and permanent employment immediately. Do the witnesses have any observations to share on that issue? It does come up.